DETROIT – A self-proclaimed church leader who claimed to be Jesus’ best friend and allegedly took over the lives of his followers appeared in federal court in Michigan on Friday.
David Taylor, 53, was arrested Aug. 27, 2025, in Durham, North Carolina, in what authorities call a national forced labor organization.
Previous story --> Michigan forced labor case: Why prosecutors argue David Taylor should remain in custody
Taylor and Michelle Brannon, 56, are accused of forcing call center employees in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri to endure miserable living conditions as a part of Kingdom of God Global Church, formerly Joshua Media Ministries International.
Taylor and Brannon face multiple federal charges, including forced labor and money laundering conspiracy.
Read more about Brannon’s case here.
Taylor was arraigned on Oct. 9 on multiple charges, including forced labor and money laundering conspiracy.
On Oct. 17, he appeared in court again for a detention hearing. Federal prosecutors asked a judge to keep Taylor in jail pending trial, saying Taylor is a flight risk and could intimidate victims and witnesses in the case.
On Friday, dozens of Taylor’s supporters packed a Detroit courtroom, and Local 4 cameras captured video of about 40 supporters with messages on signs and clothing outside the courtroom.
“God bless you guys,” one of the supporters told Local 4’s Noelle Friel, when asked what why they were out there. “Jesus loves you guys.”
In the hearing on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, the judge denied bond.
Judge: “Mr. Taylor, I think the only way to keep the community safe and keep you away from the organization detention is warranted. Bond requires trust; you weren’t completely forthcoming with the pre-trial officer, you weren’t fully transparent.”
Scott Rosenblum, who is representing Taylor as his defense attorney, said, “I’m surprised with the ruling. I think we gave them a lot of other alternatives. And they are appealing. When we asked him to comment on his supporters, he said they have a right to voice their support.
Background
Court documents claim that Taylor refers to himself as an Apostle and “Jesus’ best friend.” He reportedly claimed to have had multiple face-to-face encounters with God and that God had given him the keys to the Kingdom on Earth.
According to court records, Taylor and Brannon compelled people to work at their call centers and to work for Taylor as his “armor bearers.”
The call centers are located in the following areas:
- Taylor, Michigan
- Chesterfield, Missouri
- Eureka, Missouri
- Wildwood, Missouri
- Tampa, Florida
- Ocala, Florida
- Houston, Texas
“Armor bearers” were Taylor’s personal servants who fulfilled his demands around the clock, officials said.
“Taylor and Brannon controlled every aspect of the daily living of their victims,” said the U.S. Attorney’s Office in August.
The victims reportedly slept in the call center facility or in a “ministry” house, and Taylor and Brannon allegedly did not permit the victims to leave without permission.
Taylor allegedly claimed regularly that if someone failed to obey his orders and commands, they were defying God and would suffer in Hell.
Taylor also allegedly demanded his armor bearers transport women from ministry houses, airports and other locations to his location and ensure the women who were transported to him took Plan B emergency contraceptives.
Multiple court documents filed in federal court detailed how Taylor and Brannon allegedly treated the organization’s call center workers.
Related: Feds detail working conditions of church workers in Michigan, other states in forced labor case
On Thursday, Oct. 16, Local 4 obtained court documents ahead of Taylor’s detention hearing, where federal prosecutors requested the court to remand Taylor. Prosecutors claimed he is a flight risk and could intimidate victims and witnesses.
The court documents detailed the items found in Taylor’s home and additional messages he allegedly sent to workers for years.
Ledgers, thrones, 6 phones found in home
According to court documents, the home Taylor was living in was leased by his organization, and one of his “armor bearers” and a woman working for the organization were also living in the house.
Taylor allegedly lied to officials, stating he lived in St. Louis, Missouri, for 17 years. Authorities later confirmed he actually lived in Durham, North Carolina.
Federal agents executed a search warrant in Taylor’s home in North Carolina following his arrest.
In a structure outside the home, authorities found an “armor bearer” sleeping on an air mattress, as well as thrones and equipment Taylor uses for broadcasts.
Inside Taylor’s house, federal officials found multiple boxes containing ledgers of all the money his organization brought in each month. There was also a safe in the house that had six cellphones inside it.
Federal agents also recovered a binder titled “Apostle David E Taylor’s Boot Camp Training,” which allegedly contained hundreds of pages of training and instructions, memos and messages “from Apostle,” worker schedules and assignments, specific monetary quotas, lists of workers and the amounts of money raised, and handwritten notes from a worker.
Memos from “Apostle”
Within the binder, there were hundreds of pages of “memos from Apostle David E Taylor.” Here’s what a few of those memos that federal prosecutors claimed were in the binder:
April 12, 2022
“ALERT - WARNING: THE TOP 9 CLOSERS AND THE bottom 50 ARE STILL SHOWING SIGNS THAT THEY ARE GOING TO HELL EVEN AFTER HEARING GODS WORDS ON SLOTHFULNESS. You’ll are lying and making excuses !! . . . This tell me all 9 of you are still on your way to hell !! ALL OF YOU !! And you are going to because of your real attitude and hear of slothfulness!! . . . You top 9 and bottom 50 are evil because you don’t even try to accomplish the large [fundraising] numbers.”
April 19, 2022
“Warning—All the top closers are dragging and causing us to fail in this !! There is a garage that you going to have to go into if you don’t do your work starting today . . . !! You must raise $15k - 30k a day no questions asked . . . the lowest closers among the 10 who will not change has to go in the garage after this day !!"
May 19, 2022
“ALL DAY MARATHON TO CATCH UP . . . . Every top 10 closers needs to bring in today $38.6k each . . . All 8 of you top closers along with the ones on your team have only one more day that’s Friday before I’m going to send all the top 8 staff back to Ocala in the garage along with everyone under you !! You will either change permanently or die there !! . . . . THIS IS GOD AND MY JUDGEMENT COMING !! These are the list of top closers and their teams that are going back to Ocala strait into the garage Saturday if there is no consistent repentance from the whole teams . . . . [list of workers and teams, with “WARNING” noted next to some names] THESE THREE WITH WARNING DIDN’T DO THEIR JOB TODAY AND ARE IN DANGER OF BEING NOT ONLY SENT BACK TO OCALA BUT GRAVER CONSEQUENCES NOTE: When you are sent back the pressure and consequences are going to be 10 times greater . . . . OTHER OPTION – EACH OF YOU TOP 10 MUST DO GOOD ON FRIDAY TO RAISE $38.6k . . . THEN IF NOT MUST TURN SATURDAY INTO A MARATHON DAY OR MOVE OUT OF TAMPA PLACE TO OCALA !!”
May 26, 2022
“MEMO -You’ll should be in marathon all day !! We have to raise $92k a day starting today for 6 days !! Michele make them push !! WARNING~- FROM APOSTLE Michele deal out consequences to all the closers starting with those among the top 9 and bottom below now that are not bringing in their amount .. Garage in tampa and take away food now ! ! I want those in Ocala who supposed to be doing their work but are not punished and out in the garage and their food taken away to enforce all of them applying their training .. Everyone especially those who are part of the closing circle that suppose to be bringing in finances !! I WANT THIS DONE NOW MICHELE BECAUSE THESE TOP 9 ARE NOT ADMINISTERING ANYTHING THAT IS CREATING FORCED CHANGE”
May 27, 2022
“WARNING . . . . If this $548k is not caught up in 6 days I’m sending them back to the bootcamp in Ocala!! All of them have to go back!! . . . . JUDGMENT . . . Michele deal out consequences to all the closers starting with those among the top 9 and bottom below now that are not bringing in their amount .. Garage in tampa and take away food now !! . . . . I want those in Ocala who supposed to be doing their work but are not punished and put in the garage and their food taken away to enforce all of them applying their training”
July 20, 2022
“You 8 are not coming out of the garage until you repent of your ways that’s being inconsistent in ministry and more than that not bringing in more than you ever have not just getting back to the level you was raising money on or just staying at that level !!”
July 26, 2022
Court documents noted the following message was directed to Brannon.
“It don’t matter if you bring in $400k if you don’t stay on top of the daily operation and the top 9 their numbers keeping order by dealing out consequences to these lazy inconsistent people ! . . . . If they don’t do this they don’t deserve to be in that tampa house they are all going back to Ocala packed like sardines with consequences in the garage !! Back in bootcamp in the trenches !!”
July 31, 2022
“WARNING [] Everyone .. I mean every single person must now be raked over the coals from Michelle down to the top 9 down to the bottom 20 and get your butts back in order !! You’ll have gotten this ministry in a shambles … a complete mess !! I want consequences now put on the top bottom 20 under the 9 who can close and help but who is not and their numbers are low !! NOW !! . . . . I want cold water thrown on anyone who don’t get up on time and who is dragging!! From the top 9 down. . . . I want their numbers looked at and scrutinized then consequences put on each of them !! . . . . I want cold water thrown in the morning on anyone who don’t get up on time and who is dragging!! From the top 9 down”
Aug. 13, 2022
“MEMO-TOP 10 MUST RAISE $17.4k TODAY!! . . . . [worker name omitted to protect their identity] after this is going to the shelter because of his lack of repentance and focus ! ! After what he’s been taught he shouldn’t be bringing in 1k a whole day ! ! He’s messing around wasting our day and time ., Michelle after this drill and meeting today he needs to be taken to the shelter.”
Sept. 4, 2022
“WARNING FROM APOSTLE . . . . Get busy . . . . You are not doing this work on your own that you know to do ! This is where you’re going to be judged ! How you work when no one like Michelle or myself is over you making you do your work !! If this don’t stop immediately you’re going to the shelter . . . . This is going to stop or I’m forcing you out!! You will either change or be put out., [worker name omitted to protect their identity], [worker name omitted to protect their identity] and [worker name omitted to protect their identity] pack your things to prepare to go to the shelter. . . . You’re going to the shelter if you can’t be here and focus yourself first and others on your work and your job. . . . You’ll are liars, slothful , disobedient. and lazy to apply the training consistently! You do it on days you want to ., You purposely didn’t do it today because you took a day off on your own to not do as much and relax in your own mind SO YOU DIDNT PUSH . Especially since you know you have to work tomorrow! THIS IS EVIL !! Because you are the reason the training is not growing into the lives of other people here this is why you are getting the most severe punishment first .. THE SHELTER OR LIVING ON THE STREET HOMELESS.”
Coercing workers
Federal officials found that Taylor allegedly coerced some women working for the organization into sending sexually explicit photos and videos to him. The women who were allegedly forced to do so told authorities they were fearful of disobeying him and had no choice.
No payment for workers
Officials said Taylor and Brannon did not pay any full-time workers for their labor.
Taylor and Brannon were allegedly the two of only three members of the church who received a salary.
How workers trusted Taylor, Brannon
Taylor used various methods to gain the trust and establish loyalty to keep their workers motivated in their jobs in the call center, court documents claim.
Taylor, who claimed to be God’s best friend, allegedly lured his workers, promising to fulfill their spiritual hunger, make them feel special through “love-bombing,” and promise them a unique closeness to God by serving God through his church.
Taylor also said that they would have to enter a “20-year process” through faithful service for the workers to have the most desired given to them, officials said.
Brannon allegedly parroted these promises in staff meetings.
The two allegedly taught the workers that Taylor is God’s best friend and his second-in-command, and God will bring his Kingdom on Earth through Taylor. They were also allegedly told that working full-time would guarantee a place in the “Kingdom” and become ready to face God as Taylor had.
Taylor and Brannon also allegedly made other significant false promises to the workers.
How duo was able to control, manipulate workers
Taylor and Brandon took control of their workers once they drew them in, officials claimed.
Taylor and Brannon are accused of physically and mentally weakening their workers and subjecting them to daily public humiliation and psychological abuse.
Court documents claimed the workers were working more than 20 hours a day. They allegedly had severe sleep deprivation and were housed in cramped living situations without privacy or adequate bedding.
In some instances, officials stated that the workers were denied food and medical care.
The duo allegedly forbade their workers from having relationships and would punish them for breaking this rule.
Taylor and Brannon allegedly isolated workers from the outside world by breaking up marriages and other relationships. This forced them to block family members who questioned Taylor.
The duo is also accused of mentally and physically wearing down the workers who resisted or questioned what they were told.
Court documents claim Taylor and Brannon created a “climate of fear” through psychological manipulation and physical violence if the workers made a mistake, complained, did not meet quotas, or left the organization.
Rebuked workers
Taylor and Brannon were allegedly rebuking their workers by yelling at them while standing inches from their faces. Officials said they called the workers wicked, racial slurs, Lucifer, and other names, as well as demanded that they get on their knees and repent to remind them they will face eternal damnation if they don’t comply.
According to court documents, the rebukings could last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the situation. They were also threatened to be “put out” into a garage or a homeless shelter along with the rebukings.
“Workers truly feared that burning in Hell or meeting with some catastrophic end would be the consequence of defying defendant Taylor in any way,” officials said.
The workers would also be deemed traitors if they did not obey and would be condemned or cursed as a punishment, officials said.
Since around 2020, Taylor was not living at any call center, so he communicated exclusively via cellphones with the workers. He allegedly instructed and entrusted Brannon to carry out his orders and punishments.
13 workers shared one room
According to court documents, about 57 call center workers for the organization were found living in a house in Tampa.
Brannon allegedly lied to authorities on who lived with her in the Tampa home. According to officials, she lived “with her son and six co-workers.”
Investigators said that while multiple call center workers were sleeping in a single room, sharing one bathroom with many sleeping directly on the floor, Brannon had her own “lavishly” furnished multi-room bedroom suite with an ensuite bathroom.
Investigators also noted that about 13 people were sleeping in living quarters above the garage, sharing a single bathroom.
Related --> Feds reveal Michelle Brannon’s luxury lifestyle, new evidence in forced labor case
Children also worked in call centers, feds say
After federal agents executed more search warrants at properties owned by the organization, they learned that multiple children were working and living in the call centers.
Officials said some of the children were separated from their parents for years.
One child told federal agents about her own emotional, psychological and physical trauma during her involvement with the organization.
Texts reveal treatment of workers
Court documents revealed the text messages Taylor and Brannon allegedly sent to the call center workers from 2020 through 2022.
Oct. 6, 2020, at 5:31 a.m.
Brannon allegedly texted several members of the media team, saying “Media team no going to sleep until the Mosaic video is done!”
May 5, 2021, at 12:26 a.m.
Taylor reportedly texted one of the call center workers, “You’ll have to raise $164K today!! Each hour you fall behind consequences will start. . . We will mess with the food. You will fast from the regular food or abstain for a while normally. . . As of now there’s a 21 day peanut butter and jelly regiment life before! . . . [those] who do not push in their calls individually and as a team with the right amount of people and closing numbers by 6 p.m. they don’t eat dinner at all. . . if they do good afterward this time then at the end of the night they may get a snack before bed but not much and this regiment will go on every day for 21 days until they obey. . . Take away the food!! There will be other consequences!! We must make them fast and pray!!”
Sept. 11, 2021, at 3:55 a.m.
Taylor allegedly texted one of the workers, “Those in the top 9 that don’t do well will stay up and close and stay on top of the delinquents. . . Put the pressure of them not having their time off. . . nor food. . . they will fast!!”
Read more texts here --> Texts from church leaders reveal treatment of call center workers in Michigan, other states
Additional forced labor allegations
According to court documents, Taylor would hold lengthy meetings, which often lasted three to six hours.
In the meetings, Taylor allegedly demanded that the workers raise more money, warned them for not meeting his monetary goals, explained the power God gave him, rebuked workers for disobedience and cursed those who stopped working for him or spoke negatively about him.
The workers were often operating in a state of sleep deprivation due to the amount of work required and lengthy meetings, court documents claim.
Taylor and Brannon reportedly required the workers to ask for permission to leave their housing or call centers and controlled their access to transportation.
Taylor and Brannon also allegedly denied workers medical attention.
Court documents state that the duo demanded the workers to apply for a government-funded EBT card, claim to be homeless and give the card to Taylor and Brannon or to a church staff member who reported to the church leaders. They then reportedly used the EBT cards to buy food for the staff.
What to know about Brannon’s court appearances
Brannon was arraigned on Sept. 30 and is now out on bond. She is staying at a home in Northville, Michigan, pending her trial.
During her bond hearing on Oct. 1, it was revealed that the place she is staying at in Michigan was paid for by current church members. A judge said she has 30 days to figure out how to ensure no church members are supporting her living situation.
Brannon is expected to be back in federal court on Nov. 3, 2025. A jury trial has been scheduled for Nov. 18 at 8:30 a.m.